John 12:15
What does John 12:15 mean?
A plain-English look at John 12:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 12:15 means
The prophetic call to Zion not to fear, because her King comes seated on a donkey’s colt, interprets the scene. The promised King arrives in humility, not with military might. This reassures God’s people that the kingdom advances by God’s design, not by earthly power. By riding the colt, Jesus identifies Himself with this messianic portrait. The verse invites the reader to see that the true King brings salvation and peace, and that His lowliness is not weakness but fulfillment of God’s plan. The crowd’s cries are thus anchored in Scripture, even if their expectations need correction.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Have no fear, daughter of Zion: see your King is coming, seated on a young ass.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Fear not, daughter of Sion, lo, thy king doth come, sitting on an ass' colt.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold thy king cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.
Context
John cites Scripture to frame the triumphal entry. The quotation explains why Jesus’ choice of mount matters and points the reader to the nature of His kingship. Immediately after, John notes that the disciples did not grasp this at first; understanding would come after Jesus’ glorification. The narrative then returns to the impact of the Lazarus sign on the crowd’s enthusiasm, leading to the Pharisees’ exasperated remark that the world is going after Jesus.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 62:11
Behold, Jehovah hath proclaimed unto the end of the earth, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.
- Zephaniah 3:16
In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not; O Zion, let not thy hands be slack.
- Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy king cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, even upon a colt the foal of an ass.
- 2 Samuel 16:2
And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses are for the king’s household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as are faint in the wilderness may drink.
- Matthew 2:2
Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we saw his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
- Isaiah 35:4
Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; he will come and save you.
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